A Miami Heat fan account took issue with the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani being selected for the 2026 ESPYs Best Single-Game Performance award over Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo. The decision has ignited debate between both sides over who was more deserving.
In Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series, Ohtani delivered one of the greatest MLB performances of all time with his three home runs and striking out 10 batters in the same game. The Dodgers star came out on top over Adebayo’s 83-point game against the Washington Wizards.
An account named “Heat Nation” shared the forward’s highlights from that game to make others aware of what a special performance it was.
Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander’s brother, Ben Verlander, defended Ohtani as the deserving one.
“Yes. That is correct. He lost to Shohei Ohtani, who had, quite literally, the greatest game of baseball ever played. 10 Ks on the mound; 3 HRs at the plate. Probably the greatest single game performance from any athlete in any game ever,” Verlander wrote on X.
In Adebayo’s 83-point outburst on March 10, the Heat star surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game. However, it felt short of Ohtani’s two-way performance.
Mike Tyson May Not Have Known Shohei Ohtani
Jake Paul and DJ Khaled joined legendary boxer Mike Tyson on the ESPYs stage to present the award for best single-game performance. The winner was Shohei Ohtani, but something really awkward happened on the stage.
Tyson first said, “Check this out,” before giving his try to pronounce “Shohei Ohtani.” While everyone was applauding, a microphone picked up Tyson asking Paul:
“Shohei is a guy?”
It appears the legendary boxer may not be well aware of who the Dodgers star was. It could be ignorance, or he may not have followed baseball that much.
Meanwhile, Paul mentioned that Ohtani couldn’t be present at the awards night, but he sent his gratitude.
Ohtani is a two-time World Series champion, three-time MVP, and six-time All-Star. He may have been the greatest two-way star the sport has ever seen. In 2026, the Japanese ace is aiming to complete a three-peat with the Dodgers while also chasing his fourth MVP.
In 88 games, the Dodgers designated hitter has batted .293 with 98 hits, 22 home runs, 58 RBIs, 65 runs scored, and 6 stolen bases. Meanwhile, on the mound, the Dodgers ace has posted an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 14 starts.
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